Butch Fernstrom, 68, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2017, after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Butch was born on February, 8, 1949, in Lexington, Tennessee, to Edward and Juanita Fernstrom. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Computer Science degree. He started his career at Texas Instruments. His astonishing career took him from Texas to Arkansas to Virginia and then back to Texas where he stayed the rest of his career.

He married his best friend, Daphne. He helped raise his two step-children teaching them honesty, patience and humility. He taught them to give thanks for the blessings they had been given, to be respect others and to always be kind. He enjoyed long family vacations, outdoor activities and helping others. Butch often said his greatest joy was to pass on his knowledge and love of life to his kids.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents Juanita and Edward Fernstrom and sister Pat Austin.

Butch is survived by his wife, Daphne; his step-children, Meaghan and Landon Geary; his sister Pam and husband Curtis Chaney and many extended family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to The Summit Lutheran Church, 111 Maverick St, Aledo, TX 76008; All Star Equestrian Foundation, 6601 FM 2738, Burleson, TX 76028, or The American Heart Association.

The Community News

December 15, 2017

]]>http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/edward-benton-butch-fernstrom/feed/3167No. 7 Ladycats hold off Chisholm Trail to win 6-5A opener; Bearcats down Grapevine in OThttp://www.community-news.com/2017/12/no-7-ladycats-hold-off-chisholm-trail-to-win-6-5a-opener-bearcats-down-grapevine-in-ot/
http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/no-7-ladycats-hold-off-chisholm-trail-to-win-6-5a-opener-bearcats-down-grapevine-in-ot/#commentsWed, 13 Dec 2017 04:16:30 +0000http://www.community-news.com/?p=9009A three-point bucket by Aledo guard Riley Sale began a 7-3 run late in the fourth quarter that lifted the state-ranked No. 7 Ladycats to a 49-43 victory over Chisholm Trail Tuesday night in the girls’ District 6-5A basketball opener at the Aledo High School gym.

The win elevates the Ladycats’ record to 17-2 and 1-0 in league play.

Taylor Morgan led the Ladycats with 20 points, while Sarah Haeussler added 10. Also scoring were Janessa Payne with nine points, Elizabeth Allanach with six, Sale with three and Alaina Touchet with one.

Aledo led 19-8 after the opening quarter and 31-19 at the half. Chisholm Trail outscored Aledo 8-5 in the third period to cut the Ladycats’ lead to 36-27 as the game moved to the fourth quarter.

Bearcats 63, Grapevine 59 OT

Aledo guard Noah Arrington steals a pass during the Bearcats’ 63-59 overtime win over Grapevine Tuesday at the AHS gym. Arrington led the Bearcats with 21 points.

Aledo guard Cameron Yates scored eight of the Bearcats’ 11 overtime points to lead AHS to a 63-59 victory Tuesday night in a boys’ non-district basketball contest at the AHS gym.

Grapevine led 18-8 after the first quarter and 31-24 at the half. Aledo outscored Grapevine 17-9 in the third period to take a 41-40 lead into the fourth quarter. Grapevine scored 12 points in the fourth quarter while holding the Bearcats to 11 to tie the contest at 52-52 and force overtime.

Noah Arrington scored 21 points to lead the ‘Cats. Also scoring were Yates with 15 points, Ayden Smith with 11, Truen Johnson with six, Leo Bell with five, Hunter Vela with four and Austin Hawkins with one.

For the complete story on both games see the Dec. 15 issue of The Community News.

With Parker County at an elevated risk of wildfires due to dry conditions and a high fuel load, Parker County Judge Mark Riley has declared an Emergency Burn Ban to go into effect at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.

Judge Riley’s Emergency Burn Ban is good for 7 days and will last through 2 p.m. on Dec. 19. Judge Riley or Commissioners Court can continue to the ban if conditions warrant.

Parker County currently sits at an average of 515 on the Keetch Byrum Drought Index (KBDI).

Violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor and could result in a fine of up to $500 plus court costs. Violations include the use of combustible materials, including outdoor welding, however where welding must be performed in the field, the following mitigating efforts will be in force until the burn ban has expired:

All areas where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed will be free of vegetation for at least twenty five feet in all directions;

Surface around welding area will be watered down;

Wind speeds must be no more than 20 miles per hour while performing welding, cutting or grinding operations outside of barriers or enclosures;

A dedicated fire watch person will attend each welder, cutter, grinder and any activity that causes a spark;

A minimum of one (1) water pressure fire extinguisher per fire watch person is required;

Each site will have cellular telephone communications for emergency response;

All welding, cutting and grinding operations may be performed in a total welding enclosure, or “welding box”, that is sufficiently high to control sparks and includes a fire retardant cover over the top. Winds speeds must not exceed 30 miles per hour while utilizing an enclosure;

i. Where welding (above ground and sub-surface) is required in an area where there is a potential for a hazardous atmosphere, barriers will be substituted for total enclosures (e.g. “wind walls”) to prevent sparks from coming in contact with any combustible material;

ii. The barriers will be installed to allow ventilation of the work area and ingress and egress to the work area for personnel safety;

iii. Sub-surface, or “bell hole”, welding and grinding operations within approved excavations are allowed if all other mitigation efforts are included;

If an emergency exists where welding has to be performed, the Fire Marshal may issue a temporary exception to the order.

The Bearcats will continue non-district play against Grapevine. Tip off is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Aledo High School gym.

The state-ranked No. 7 Ladycats, 16-2, will open District 6-5A play against Chisholm Trail at 8 p.m. (following the boys’ game) at the AHS gym.

]]>http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/two-fer-tuesday-basketball-bearcats-host-grapevine-no-7-ladycats-open-girls-6-5a-hoops-play-at-home-against-chisholm-trail/feed/3319Judge Gisela Triana files for Third Court of Appeals Justice, Place 6https://prmediarelease.com/judge-gisela-triana-files-for-third-court-of-appeals-justice-place-6/
https://prmediarelease.com/judge-gisela-triana-files-for-third-court-of-appeals-justice-place-6/#commentsTue, 12 Dec 2017 00:20:38 +0000https://prmediarelease.com/?p=103924Austin,Texas (PR MediaRelease) December 11, 2017 - Judge Gisela Triana, who currently serves as Judge of the 200th Judicial District Court of Texas, has filed to run for Justice, Third Court of Appeals, Place 6.

]]>https://prmediarelease.com/judge-gisela-triana-files-for-third-court-of-appeals-justice-place-6/feed/3319Mahoney Files to Be the Texas Comptroller on the March 2018 Democratic Primary Ballothttps://prmediarelease.com/mahoney-files-to-be-the-texas-comptroller-on-the-march-2018-democratic-primary-ballot/
https://prmediarelease.com/mahoney-files-to-be-the-texas-comptroller-on-the-march-2018-democratic-primary-ballot/#commentsMon, 11 Dec 2017 22:50:01 +0000https://prmediarelease.com/?p=103890Austin, and all cities in Texas,Texas (PR MediaRelease) December 11, 2017 - On the heels of his endorsement by the Our Revolution Central Texas, Tim Mahoney has filed to be on the Democratic Primary ballot in March 2018.

]]>https://prmediarelease.com/mahoney-files-to-be-the-texas-comptroller-on-the-march-2018-democratic-primary-ballot/feed/3319No. 1 Bearcats run past Richland, 43-7; will face Mansfield Legacy in state semifinalshttp://www.community-news.com/2017/12/no-1-bearcats-run-past-richland-43-7-will-face-mansfield-legacy-in-state-semifinals/
http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/no-1-bearcats-run-past-richland-43-7-will-face-mansfield-legacy-in-state-semifinals/#commentsSat, 09 Dec 2017 23:13:39 +0000http://www.community-news.com/?p=8989No. 1 Aledo took a 20-point halftime lead and never looked back as the Bearcats trounced the Richland Rebels, 43-7, Saturday afternoon in a state quarterfinal game at The Star in Frisco.

The win advances the Bearcats to the state semifinals for the fifth consecutive year. Aledo will face Mansfield Legacy at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Pennington Field.

“They got some talent over there at Richland, and I thought our kids came ready to play, and play physical,” Bearcats head coach Steve Wood said. “We ran the football well even though they stacked the line with eight guys. We will continue to run the ball unless some team won’t let us.

“I was proud of the backs and the O-line for the way we ran the football. I love our offensive line, and I trust them. They are battlers who like to get in there and mix it up.”

Wood said after Richland scored its lone touchdown – on its first drive of the game – that adjustments were made. Apparently, the adjustments worked. After the 75-yard drive Richland gained just 36 total yards for the final three-and-a-half quarters.

“Richland ran some new plays that we had not seen (on its TD drive),” Wood said. “But we made some adjustments and got it done. It feels great to play another week, and I want our kids to be able to enjoy this. Everybody doesn’t get to do this, and we are very lucky and proud of reaching the state semifinals.”

Richland got on the board first. The Rebels ended a seven-play, 75-yard drive with a touchdown pass of 30 yards from quarterback Drew Trent to receiver Kenneth Reeves. Connor O’Neal booted the extra point as the Rebels led 7-0.

The Bearcats tied the game on their second possession of the contest, and it took only one play. Sophomore running back Jase McClellan found a seam off right tackle, cut to the sidelines and was gone, completing a 69-yard touchdown run. Cole Daniels booted the extra point, and with 5:48 left in the opening period the score was tied, 7-7.

In the second quarter, the Bearcats took a 14-7 lead when quarterback Jake Bishop faked a hand off to Tre Owens and lofted a pass of 15 yards and a touchdown to a wide-open McClellan. Daniels added the PAT at the 7:15 mark.

A fumble recovery by Wyatt Harris on the Richland 27 set up the next Aledo TD, which was another one-play drive. On first down, Bishop fired down the middle for receiver Beau Mask, who beat single coverage and cradled the pass on the run to complete a 31-yard touchdown play.

Daniels added the PAT to increase the Aledo lead to 21-7.

Another Richland turnover – an interception by linebacker Aaron Hale – set up the Bearcats’ fourth TD of the half. After a 10-yard pass from Bishop to receiver Hunter Rosson brought the ball to the Rebels’ 28, McClellan rushed for gains of 11 and six yards to bring the ball to the Richland 1.

On the next play, McClellan did the honors with a one-yard run off right tackle, and with 2:30 remaining in the half Aledo stretched its lead to 27-7. The PAT failed.

Aledo defensive end Colt Ellison snuffed out the final Richland drive of the half with his second sack of the contest as the Bearcats enjoyed a 27-7 halftime advantage.

McClellan rushed 12 times in the first half and gained 160 yards, scoring two TDs. He added two catches for 19 yards and a score. Aledo gained 177 yards on the ground in the opening half and racked up 237 total yards.

Richland gained one yard on the ground in the first 24 minutes and had 76 total yards, with 75 coming on its first drive.

The Bearcats began the second half with a 15-play drive – all runs – that took 8:06 off the clock, but on fourth and goal from the Richland 1 the Rebels stop McClellan for a gain of no yards and took possession at its 1-yard line.

But on the next play, running back Rylee Johnson was tackled in the end zone by Aledo defensive tackle James ‘Big Game” Williams for a safety, and with 3:31 left in the third quarter the Bearcats extended their lead to 29-7.

The Bearcats closed the scoring with a pair of TDs in the fourth quarter.

The first came after Owens returned a punt 45 yards to the RHS 10, and the Rebels were also called for an illegal formation, which moved the ball to the 5-yard line.

On first down, McClellan darted untouched up the middle and into the end zone. Daniels’ kick increased the lead to 36-7.

The second TD of the final stanza was a 12-yard flare pass from Bishop to Owens to complete a four-play drive. An interception and return of 40 yards by last week’s defensive hero Gio Torres set up the scoring drive.

Daniels’ PAT extended the lead to 43-7.

Aledo finished with 345 total yards, including 248 on the ground. McClellan rushed 27 times for a game-high 208 yards. Bishop completed four of nine passes for 72 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bearcats held Richland to 111 total yards.

Aledo junior defensive end Colt Ellison (44) records one of his two sacks Saturday during the Bearcats’ 43-7 win over Richland.
]]>http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/no-1-bearcats-run-past-richland-43-7-will-face-mansfield-legacy-in-state-semifinals/feed/3319New Aledo Fire Station Dedicatedhttp://www.community-news.com/2017/12/new-aledo-fire-station-dedicated/
http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/new-aledo-fire-station-dedicated/#commentsSat, 09 Dec 2017 19:16:41 +0000http://www.community-news.com/?p=8983The Aledo area community welcomed the latest Emergency Services District fire station on Saturday, Dec. 9. The new station, designated Station 34, replaces the long-time station utilized by firefighters in Aledo for many years.

For more information, see the video below, or read the Dec. 15, 2017 issue of The Community News.

]]>http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/aledo-vs-richland/feed/3126Late defensive effort lifts Ladycats past Home School Athletic Association, 48-46, in Ladycat Invitational championship gamehttp://www.community-news.com/2017/12/late-defensive-effort-lifts-ladycats-past-home-school-athletic-association-48-46-in-ladycat-invitational-championship-game/
http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/late-defensive-effort-lifts-ladycats-past-home-school-athletic-association-48-46-in-ladycat-invitational-championship-game/#commentsFri, 08 Dec 2017 23:22:52 +0000http://www.community-news.com/?p=8975Two steals that led to four points with just more than a minute left to play elevated the Aledo Ladycats to a 48-46 victory over Dallas Home School Athletic Association Friday afternoon in the championship game of the Ladycat Invitational basketball tournament at the Aledo High School gym.

The win raises the Ladycats’ record to 16-2. The Aledo ladies will begin District 6-5A play on Tuesday against Chisholm Trail. The tip off is set for 8 p.m. at the AHS gym.

Ladycats head coach Nikki Hyles was proud of the way her team held its composure when it got behind late in the fourth quarter. She was also pleased with the competition. HSAA won last year’s Ladycat Invitational.

“The girls showed a lot of grit in this tournament,” she said. “The teams that came here were competitive, and it was good to get another win as we go into district. I love our team and I feel the girls are ready for district. Everybody is doing a great job and working as a team. We are firing on all cylinders right now.”

HSAA led 44-42 and had the ball underneath the basket with a little more than a minute left to play. But guard Elizabeth Allanach stole an in-bounds pass and quickly fed Payne for a layup that tied the score, 44-44.

HSAA had trouble with another in-bounds pass, and a pass that was deflected bounced under the basket to sophomore guard Haley Herrin, who put up a layup from the right side to give the Ladycats a 46-44 lead with a minute remaining.

HSAA missed a shot on its ensuing possession, and forced to foul, put Allanach on the line. She drained consecutive free throws, and with 53 seconds left to play Aledo enjoyed a 48-44 lead. HSAA cut the lead to two points on a jumper with 14 seconds left to play. With time winding down the ball got loose in the Ladycats’ front court, but Payne grabbed the ball with three seconds left and dribbled out the clock to clinch the win.

Payne, Haeussler and Allanach each scored eight points, followed by Riley Sale, Alaina Touchet and Herrin, each with two.

HSAA led 12-9 after the first quarter. But paced by 12 points from Morgan, the Ladycats scored 16 points in the second quarter while holding HSAA to 10 to take a 25-22 lead at the half. HSAA outscored Aledo 11-8 in the third period that tied the score, 33-33, as the game moved to the fourth quarter.

Aledo junior guard Elizabeth Allanach (21) eyes the basket before draining a three-pointer during the first quarter of the Ladycats’ 48-46 victory over Dallas Home School Athletic Association Friday afternoon in the championship game of the Ladycat Invitational. Photos by Tony Eierdam
]]>http://www.community-news.com/2017/12/late-defensive-effort-lifts-ladycats-past-home-school-athletic-association-48-46-in-ladycat-invitational-championship-game/feed/3319